I’ll start with a disclaimer! This is, admittedly, a bit of a self-indulgent blog post. I can’t help it. I really love this place and the people in it, and I really want to make sure they know it. Of course they’ll want to read it over and over in the coming months, and it’s just as well that the general public, too, understand what a top-notch time they’ll have when stopping by the office for business or pleasure!
Since joining the team at UDR, I’ve learned more than I ever thought I would in regards to real estate. I’ve also, though, been fortunate to learn volumes more. Watching such a knowledgeable group of individuals juggle a prosperous business, while also taking responsibility for how their success might relate to and benefit the community they serve – literally on a daily basis! – has been monumentally inspiring to me. I hate to be trite, but you hear about how “one person” or “one company” can make a difference, and then you SEE how this is so, and one is so much more powerful than the other. I’m not sure any of the chickens at UDR know how prideful I’ve been just to be a part of that effort, and how much of that ethic I’m taking with me because of them.
Here are a few other reasons why I will so genuinely miss UDR and company:
10. Chicken-related humor: With the UDR Chicken Chase in full effect within mere days of my arrival, fowl-themed banter has worked it’s way into the core of our daily exchanges. I’m sorry that the next time I think of a really good chicken pun, no one will congratulate me, or point at me and wink.
9. Macs are everywhere: Not that I was ever confused on the issue, but swimming in a sea of Macs working in (mostly) seamless harmony has solidified my affection. Even when realtors that will remain nameless insist on watching the Bachelor or World Cup on theirs, they still look smarter and sexier.
8. Speaking of computers… I fear that without Mary, I will never again be made to feel like a brilliant technological trouble-shooter. I’m pretty sure she invented a few bizarre computer glitches just so I could “fix” them and “save her life.” Thanks, Mary. I’ve been bragging about this for months.
7. Susan’s articles and clippings: There is another dimension, whereby a working mother of 3 with her hand helping a thousand community pots actually has time to sit and clip (or forward) poignant articles and pertinent comics from any worthwhile publication you can imagine. Either that, or Susan just never sleeps.
6. Jessica’s story-telling: You know that person who tells a story better than ANYONE, and always makes you wish you were there? That’s Jessica. She’s so good at it, that I had to override my first and very strong inclination to highlight her skinny pants as my all-time most missed Jessica-ism.
5. Bill’s greetings: HOW will I ever know when I’ve reached my destination, without Bill yelling “Luci-Lu!” or Mz. Pestana!” at the top of his lungs upon my entry? I’ll be confused about this for a while, and will surely miss the welcome.
4. Little girl laughter: Courtney and Mariana’s beautiful daughters often times “help” Mommy at the office, and I’ve reaped the rewards of having them around. A Mom of 2 boys, I’m just not used to the girly laughter and chitter-chatter, and it’s been a divine awakening. Squeezing Penny (not too hard, I hope) has also been a perk. But most importantly, these two have demonstrated absolute grace in the way they balance their work and children (literally simultaneously.) I know they may feel like it gets awkward at times, but on this side of the lens, it looks like they’ve got it all figured out… and I admire that more than I’ve ever been able to say.
3. Clever emails: I really will miss the creative process that goes into formulating cleverly worded emails that essentially say the same thing (which is often a reminder or reprimand) in a new and inventive way. Thanks, everyone, for helping me expand the parameters of my writing style, and for always thanking me for the extra effort!
2. Having to remind myself I’m “at work:” It’s a problem I think everyone wishes they had…
1. One word: DREAMBOAT. Yes, I dared.
I am very thankful for the experiences I’ve had with this firm, and I so cherish the lessons learned and especially the relationships that are mine to keep. Good luck to you, Page, I know you’ll enjoy this too. I’m trusting you all to keep me in the loop!